Sonia (Ledesma) Ruiz

Sonia Ledesma Ruiz took her place in heaven on July 1, 2022. She was 65. Sonia lived and left a legacy of strength, perseverance, and endurance. Her life proved that we can and will keep going even when we face the most challenging times. Sonia's fighting spirit and steadfast love will live in the hearts of her family forever.

The daughter of Carmen and Thomas Ledesma, Jr., Sonia was born on September 23, 1956, in San Jose, CA. She was the youngest of four children and came from humble roots. Sonia attended Gilroy High School, where she met her husband, Raymond Ruiz, Jr. She graduated in 1973.

In 1977, Sonia married Raymond, and they went on to have four beautiful children: Patricia, Luanne, Melissa, and the youngest, Raymond III. When her husband suddenly passed at the young age of 30 in a tragic trucking accident, Sonia went on to raise four small children on her own in Gilroy, CA.

Life handed Sonia some difficult times, but she never gave up or gave in. Every day she woke up and went to work at Gilroy Foods as a prep operator to support her family. She worked hard, kept her head high, kept her sense of humor - and more than anything, Sonia always kept it real.

Anyone who knew Sonia knew she was a firecracker, a jokester; she told it like it is and loved to cook. Laughter and food were the ways Sonia expressed love the most. If you were lucky enough to get a wisecrack or a delicious home-cooked meal from Sonia, you could consider yourself loved.

Some of her family's fondest memories are of her cooking. Whether making tamales at her home or just hearing the words, "What do you want me to cook for dinner?" Sonia took great pride in cooking for her family when they visited. She had the unique qualities every excellent cook must have: patience, passion, perseverance, and of course, love. Preparing meals for her family and friends filled her heart with joy. Like a true mom, no one went hungry at Sonia's house.

Sonia retired from Gilroy Foods, now known as Olam, after 30 plus years of service. She moved to Visalia, where she lived for eight years before passing away from cancer. Sonia was a fighter till the very end. She loved her children and grandchildren and stayed strong long enough in her final days to see all of her family members as they came to say goodbye. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her daughters.

Even as her passing leaves an immense void in her family's heart, her legacy of love and perseverance will live on in her family forever. Sonia is survived by her son and daughters: Patricia, Luanne, Melissa, and Raymond III. She is also survived by her sister Linda Bridges, her brother Thomas Ledesma, 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be on July 15 at 1:00 PM at Lima-Campagna-Johnson Funeral Home in Morgan Hill, CA. Reception to follow at Christmas Hill Park at 3:30 PM near the playground and the restrooms.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · July 8, 2022